Sinus congestion occurs when a person’s nasal passageways get inflamed and blocked. It can happen due to mucus buildup during a cold, flu, or allergies. A sinus infection can also affect the ears by causing fluid to be tapped behind the eardrum. The good news is that it can be treated easily, and patients recover within a few days. Below, you can find a few helpful home remedies and treatment options for sinus congestion.

Keep the nasal passage moist
This is among the easiest and most helpful remedies for sinus congestion. Many people believe that the nose should remain dry at all times. But the truth is that when the nasal membranes dry out entirely, they get irritated and can worsen an infection. The following are a few ways to keep the nasal passages moist:

Use a vaporizer or a humidifier.
Take warm showers.
Breathe in steam from a pot of warm water.
Drink lots of fluids to thin the mucus and remove the blockage.
Use a nasal spray.
Place a warm and wet towel on the face.

Use a neti pot
Some people rinse their sinuses with a neti pot to remove the blockage. It involves using a little teapot with a long spout to pour water into one nostril and let it drain through the other. Always use distilled or sterile water for this purpose or water that has been boiled and cooled down. Also, rinse the pot thoroughly after usage and let it air dry under the sun. Neti pots are easily available in the market, and finding one should not be a problem.

Blow your nose
If excess mucus builds up in the airways, blow your nose. But follow the necessary precautions to keep the infection from spreading to others. You could gently blow into a disposable tissue and then throw it away. Block one nostril while you blow through the other, and make sure you are not forcing the mucus into your ears or other parts of the sinuses.

Use an extra pillow
Use an extra pillow to stay slightly upright when sleeping. This position can help you breathe better with blocked airways. However, do not sleep in an uncomfortable position, as it can lead to back and neck pain. Staying upright is one of the best remedies for sinus congestion.

Eat herbs and spices
Spices like ginger, garlic, and peppers can help reduce congestion. They trigger gustatory rhinitis, causing the body to produce more mucus, which you can easily blow out. Spices like turmeric also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with several other ailments. Add these to foods and beverages to speed up recovery.

Try essential oils
Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, oregano, and rosemary help with decongestion. Studies show they help improve upper respiratory functions, making them perfect for sinus infections. You can add some essential oil to a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam. Doing so may open up the airways and provide immediate sinus relief.

Decongesting treatments
While sinus infections usually go away on their own, treatments can help speed up recovery and manage the symptoms. Some treatment options help relieve pain, inflammation, blockage, and irritation. They come in various forms, including nasal sprays. Read the details printed on the product and follow the instructions for use. Always speak to a doctor about taking any treatments through the mouth, as they can suggest the correct dosage and frequency.

Ointments
Some ointments have ingredients like menthol, which help make breathing easy when suffering from a sinus blockage. Rubbing such ointments on the chest or upper lip (just a bit) and inhaling the odor can provide relief. But consult a healthcare expert before using any ointment to avoid complications.

Sinus infections do not just affect the nose but also the ears. They can lead to fluid buildup behind the eardrum, causing pain. So, do not ignore ear discomfort; use the proper remedies and treatments to manage it. One tip is inhaling steam from water that has a little camphor mixed in it. Doing so may help open up not just the nasal passages but also the ear congestion.

Consult a healthcare expert if sinus congestion does not go away or leads to complications. Doctors know how to treat a sinus infection and can help you recover faster. They may also suggest other tips to prevent the problem from worsening. For example, it is recommended to avoid chlorinated pools as they can irritate the nasal passages and complicate the condition.